New internationally innovative prison for women in Finland will modernise the operating culture of the Criminal Sanctions Agency

The prison concept is an operation and facility model, which is based on the strategic goals of the Criminal Sanctions Agency The key points are effectiveness and the idea that the Criminal Sanctions Agency acts as a learning environment for a life without crime.

– This means that, in Hämeenlinna Prison, the objective of all activities and rehabilitation is to help sentenced people to reintegrate into society after their release, experience social inclusion, and, thus, live without crime, says Pauli Nieminen, Director of the Criminal Sanctions Region of Western Finland.

The prison concept was developed by the Criminal Sanctions Agency in cooperation with the experts of Senate Properties, which acted as the developer in the project. The prison staff and prisoners were also involved in the work. In the planning process, we used research data and experiences received from the Nordic countries and Central Europe. The aim was to build an internationally innovative prison environment.

– The new prison is a major step towards improving the status and safety of female prisoners although there is still a lot of work to be done. The activities arranged in Hämeenlinna Prison are more suitable for the specific needs of female prisoners. Our goal is to use the services provided by society during the prison term so that they can be continued even after the release. Closer cooperation improves the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation, says Arto Kujala, Director General of the Criminal Sanctions Agency.

Interactive work with the prisoners increases safety

Hämeenlinna Prison is a significant reform in the whole operating culture of the Criminal Sanctions Agency. The staff prepares prisoners for a life without crime with the help of interactive work.

– We have noticed that confidential interactive cooperation affects the safety of working in prison. Establishing contact with the prisoners, being interested in their affairs, and promoting change reduces the likelihood of reoffending and, at the same time, increases safety in prison. Therefore, modern prison services include interactive work, says Pauli Nieminen.

It is possible to keep up with the development of digital society also during the prison term. The cells are equipped with digital terminals, which can be used to access electronic services. The development of the cell terminals is part of the Smart Prison Project. Electronic services enable prisoners to use a significant number of new rehabilitation and education services.

Cooperation based on alliance model

The new building cost approximately EUR 34 million. The project was carried out by Senate Properties, which is responsible for government premises, and the construction company SRV. The construction project applied the alliance model, which Senate Properties had developed specifically for the implementation of large and demanding construction projects. The alliance model takes into account the needs of the users and enables the development of plans and solutions even in the implementation phase.

– It has been great to carry out such a unique project where the innovative design and solutions used in the premises can improve the social effectiveness of the work carried out there, says Project Manager Tarja Hietamäki from Senate Properties.

Senate Properties also invested in minimising the carbon footprint of the building.

– Carbon neutrality was taken into account already in the planning phase. The most crucial factor in the reduction of the carbon footprint was the use of geothermal heat and solar energy in the prison, says Hietamäki.

The prison was built next to the old prison, which is now empty. Hämeenlinna Prison also has extensive outdoor areas with, for example, a nature trail and good opportunities for, among other things, outdoor activities, exercise, and urban farming.

– The new Hämeenlinna Prison was built in close cooperation with the project planning group, Senate Properties, and the Criminal Sanctions Agency in order to best meet the needs of the new prison concept. The project was exceptional due to, among other things, the extensive security technology and renewable energy solutions. At some point, there were over 170 builders on the site including many local contractors, says SRV Construction Site Manager Pasi Haakana.

The prisoners will be transferred to the new prison on Sunday 1 November 2020 and five wards of the prison will actually open on Monday 2 November 2020.

Further information:
Pauli Nieminen
Criminal Sanctions Agency, Criminal Sanctions Region of Western Finland, Region Director
Tel. 358 50 344 1216
pauli.nieminen(at)om.fi

Pia Puolakka
Criminal Sanctions Agency, Smart Prison Project, Project Manager
Tel. +358 29 568 8496

Tarja Hietamäki
Senate Properties, Project Manager
Tel. +358 40 051 4636
tarja.hietamaki(at)senaatti.fi

Pasi Haakana
SRV, Construction Site Manager
Tel. +358 40 760 8041
pasi.haakana(at)srv.fi